US Vice President Kamala Harris plans to discuss efforts to achieve a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip with the president of the United Arab Emirates, with whom she will meet today, a White House official said.

Harris and US President Joe Biden will hold separate meetings with Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed al-Nahyan in the first of a series of contacts with foreign leaders on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly in New York.

The contacts will give Harris an opportunity to showcase her national security skills at a time when the Democratic administration is under intense pressure to reduce the conflict in the Middle East.

Israel attacked hundreds of Hezbollah targets today and Lebanon’s health services are reporting hundreds of dead from these strikes.

Talks to be held at the White House will also focus on the release of hostages held in Gaza by Hamas and the war in Sudan.